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Raitt on recording worries about budget leak
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Wed. Jun. 10 2009 6:37 PM ET
Hours after Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt apologized for off-the-cuff comments made about the medical isotope crisis, more taped criticisms of her cabinet colleagues came to light.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Halifax Chronicle Herald published more comments from Raitt, in which she says she suspects that Environment Minister Jim Prentice redirected money intended for wind power to Alberta's oil sand research.
Her concerns came from a complaint from wind energy producers about budget funding and she suspected the money would be switched to research and development in Prentice's $1-billion Clean Energy Plan.
In the tape, Raitt also worries that she might be blamed by the prime minister for leaking budget discussions.
The rookie MP is speaking to her former communications director, Jasmine MacDonnell, who inadvertently taped the conversation and then lost the recording device.
The newly published comments come hot on the heels of Raitt's apology for calling the medical isotope crisis "sexy" -- which was caught on the same tape.
'Deep regret' expressed
At a brief news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday afternoon, Raitt explained that she had not intended to offend cancer victims by her comments.
"Today I want to personally communicate my deep regret for wording I used in a private discussion earlier this year, which was inadvertently recorded," Raitt said.
"As somebody who has, in their personal life, been deeply affected by cancer, my intent was certainly not to show any disrespect for any cancer victims, survivors or their families," she continued. "However, it's clear that these remarks have been interpreted in that way."
Raitt said she wished to offer a "clear apology to anyone who has been offended by what I have said."
She then went on to explain that she lost her father to colon cancer when she was a child, and her brother to lung cancer as an adult.
Visibly emotional, Raitt said she watched her father die over 18 months, while he was suffering from cancer.
She also said her grandfather and grandmother also died from cancer.
The minister then left the news conference without taking any questions.
The opposition continued their attacks on Raitt Wednesday, but focused more on the medical isotopes issue, and toned down their rhetoric on the leaked comments during question period.
There were calls for her resignation from the opposition, but Raitt ignored the issue outright.
In the conversation, Raitt categorized the medical isotope shortage as a "sexy" political issue and disparaged Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq's abilities as a politician.
On the tape, Raitt said the medical isotope shortage has been a difficult political issue "because it's confusing to a lot of people."
However, Raitt added: "But it's sexy ... Radioactive leaks. Cancer."
The conversation, which appears to have taken place not long after a reported heavy water leak at Chalk River, Ont., also includes a discussion about Aglukkaq and her ministry's handling of the isotope file.
"They're terrified of the issues," said Raitt, referring to the Ministry of Health.
"You know what? Good. Because when we win on this, we get all the credit. I'm ready to roll the dice on this."
Tape stirs up a storm
The conversation was made public on Monday afternoon -- less than a week after MacDonnell resigned for leaving sensitive documents at CTV News' Ottawa office.
Prior to Raitt's apology on Wednesday, the head of the Ontario Association of Nuclear Medicine said it was "very inappropriate" for the minister to call the isotope shortage a "sexy" issue.
Dr. Christopher O'Brien said Raitt's comments became public at a time when the crisis is at a breaking point.
"The medical community feels that we are in a crisis situation and statements such as that just diminish the seriousness that the medical isotope crisis is having on patient access for heart disease and cancer," O'Brien told CTV's Canada AM on Wednesday.
Despite intense pressure, both Raitt and Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused to give an inch on Tuesday, and both stopped short of issuing a formal apology.
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I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.
Comments are now closed for this story
Rene
said
Mr. Harper is no different and in fact could be described as the example for his party. I've always known that a leader sets the tone, and others simply follow.
What I find interesting is that the population of this country keeps voting into power these types of individuals, instead of doing due diligence and demanding from their political parties adequate, and in fact better than adequate representatives. When will we learn (shakes his head).
DG
said
I'm ashamed that we have this government leading our country. That's what you get when only 49% of the population actually votes! Come on people, get out there and vote this unqualified government back where they belong.
chachos
said
that was cruel to anyone that has lost someone to cancer myself included. I can't believe our PM stands behind her.
SK Doctor
said
Jim in Edmonton
said
meerkat
said
Roger T
said
Harper has lost control of his staff which is why the economy is in a free fall.
CYL
said
*none of them ain't 'sexy' at all* to keep their jobs.
JB - Ottawa
said
I think anyone making such a big deal over calling the isotope issue a "sexy" one should be fired for wasting time.
DO YOUR JOBS PEOPLE, repair/replace those reactors, and stop these childish games.
Bill from Whitby
said
JoeC from St. Thomas, ON
said
This was a private comment. Leave it as such.
Peter in Kingsburg
said
Not only do you have all the different MP personalities to put up with but lets not forget the career bureaucrats. These are the people that really run the government.
So I expect to see many of the whiners having their names on the ballot in the next election and lets just see how well they do!
Meg
said
These sleazy ads against the opposition leader is below the belt.
I also agree with others to a degree that she was supposed to be "in her own private time" but it makes you wonder what kind of character she has?
I think it is disgusting that cancer patients have to wait so long now for their treatment.
Pugfire
said
While I agree with you on the basics, I feel the need to point out to you that the main job of any politician is to put down and call for the resignation of all members of the other parties.
Only then do they get to the serious issues such as their pay raises.
Twas ever thus and shall ever be.
Liz in Toronto
said
We have a Liberal provincial Government in Ontario where our tax dollars have met a similar fate as the Chretien adscam fiasco, cost us considerable amount of money,(total unknown at this point) we paid off the offender. The minister in charge of this gets to keep his job with little fan fare because he kept his mouth shut.
I’m sorry I’m more offended by the waste of my tax dollars than I am at what someone said. I too had multiple deaths in my family from cancer, and in no way does the minister’s conversation offend me.
Firing her at this point would set back the project of manufacturing more isotopes for God knows how long. Everyone should relax if this offends anyone maybe the problem lies within.
Brett in Montréal
said
canuck_88
said
Jack
said
What Mr. Harper should do is respond to any questions by changing the topic to something that is relevant to most Canadians; the economy. The last time I checked the world is still in a recession and trying to lay blame on someone for leaving this or saying that is petty politics. Yes it is unfortunate and should there be an apology? Probably but lets get back to far larger issues.
What should have happened in both cases is that the respective media people should have returned without questions anything that did not belong to them. If they had done the professional and ethical thing (regardless of what some judge decided) then all of this would . . . well never of happened and real issues would have been the topics in the House of Commons (or maybe we should call it the political daycare centre - and they say we don't have universal daycare!).
AdamJ, Ontario
said
That statement should read more like:
It's amazing that 49% of the population actually shows up to vote.
Our choices at every election seem to appear as: bad, worse, worst.
It doesn't matter which party you support. There are cheap politics on *both* sides. It is getting sickening. They're all political opportunists - and they each cater to their own "special interests".
BW
said
Her choice of words could have been better granted, but i dont' feel she is making light of the situation. I think she meant that the issue is high profile and will grab a lot of attention.
john
said
SunCoaster
said
Chicken
said
The isotope problem is what it is. Her opinion is irrelevant to the isotope issue.
MEDIA and Liberals - grow up and concentrate on the real story.
André in Ontario
said
Brian W
said
We are coming out one of the deepest recessions in modern history and they are focusing on words that for all intents and purposes are being taken out of context.
MOVE ON TO SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT
Michael Erskine
said
Now it isn't a crisis-even though the rest of the world says it is. But at the end of the day this government dropped the ball on getting it fixed.
Ralph in Regina
said
DL
said
Yes ... we all have said something in private. And if it gets out ... we pay the price for it. She screwed up and has shown her colours to us ... kick her out.
Richard in Ontario
said
Mark
said
SoJo
said
Wendy
said
The master of cheap politics.
Did you see what happened in Nova Scotia?
They gave the cons the boot.
Canadians are tired of this lame duck government & Harper's cheap politics.
Step down Harper.
Steve in PEI
said
"Let's give them something to talk about..."
Oh wait, it's *Lisa* Raitt, I had her confused with Bonnie Raitt :D
Jo in Gtown
said
Dictionary.com
SEX-Y (Slang) Highly appealing or interesting.
Isotopes are a HOT topic. Anyone else see the connection?
Steve the Pundit
said
Fact is, short of Mother Theresa, I doubt that a person has ever lived that, in the security of a private conversation among close confidants, has never made an inappropriate comment, never used so-called "gallows humor" in a difficult situation, never made an off-color remark, etc. This is part of what makes us human.
And don't give me this nonsense about "we need to hold those that govern us to a higher moral standard." If that was the case and every insult ever hurled by one MP at another were cause for dismissal, the House of Commons would be empty.
Ihatepolitics
said
Canadians a bunch of whiny cry babies....
said
Do we not have more important issues in life to be concerned with than an MP making a dumb off the cuff private remark? Have you never made dumb comments?
Enough with the constant nit picking while the weightier issues don't get the attention they need instead of this petty politics from the left.
island girl
said
In certain jobs, there are no 'private converations'. Politicians and celebrities need to observe their conduct at all times...it comes with the job and if their private values diverge greatly from the values they are promoting in their public life, they should rethink their career.
Al
said
Secondly, he or she who has never used 'gallows' humour can cast the first stone. Most of us have from time to time.
Thirdly, althouth the word 'sexy' is probably inappropriate, I understand what she was saying - that she is passionate about this file. Someone who is passionate about something will work very hard at the task.
Finally, the 'sexy' remark was made about isotobes not cancer patients. I too have lost friends and family members to cancer and don't find this comment insulting.
As for the news media - perhaps you should really listen to the tape and report what it actually says not what you wish it would say.
Louis Bloom
said
ottawan
said
There seems to be issues ongoing with them, that prove how inactive they are. Just in it for themselves, I'd say. The campaign promises they did keep, were merely to buy votes. Unfortunately there was nothing in it for my family and as far as the GST cut, it only put our country further into debt.
ann
said
We are all sick and tired of the games and the newspaper should have not published the recording. The newspaper is also at fault for bringing it to light - we don't need more political games - we need these politicians to do what our massive tax dollars are going to. With that - politicians are always accountable for what they say.
And yes - most end up saying nonsense like this. Perhaps Harper should get some backbone and control his government better by doing further about this and taking it a step further?
Janet E. Smith
said
The news media and the government/opposition are all ignoring the fact of the serious dangers of nuclear reactors that create these radioactive isotopes. Old nuclear reactors are in great danger of leaking large quantities of radioactive substances into water, soil, and air.
The Candu reactor is on the Great lakes and near large populations. The estimated result of a nuclear accident from Canada's nuclear sites is for much more damage than the Chernobyl accident. Nuclear damage lasts a minimum of a hundred years, more likely 600 years, and as many as several million years, where everything and everyone in the area is dead, and cancers and inhuman mutations are common throughout a much larger area.
All nuclear reactors leak a government agreed upon amount of nuclear radioactive waste into the air and water every day. These cause cancers. Thus, the cancers diagnosed by isotopes, may be from the process that created the isotopes, and some cancers most certainly will be caused by this. Very little attention is given in cancer research, to clearly identifying radioactivity as a common cause of cancer.
wafer
said
Peter in Kingsburg
said
Well John good plan and which party will you be representing? Maybe we should join forces and we could get you elected and change the face of Canadian politics. Perhaps we should start right here and ask people on this blog if they would really like to see a change in the way the country is run and exactly what they would propose. Might be a good platform.
Self serving Raitt
said
Michael from Toronto
said
It makes people ashamed to be a Canadian.
Nancy: Ignatieff just mad his Honeymoon is over
said
JS North Bay
said
Thanks for posting that possibility - I have been wondering for 24 hours what someone would use the word "sexy" for if it were not to do with sex.
Poor choice of words.
Cancer is such a terrible thing and such a sensitivie issue (having been there myself).... to even link this disease with even the word "appealing" .... it was wrong, wrong, wrong!
JPL
said
Hal in Halifax
said
Maybe it's because my Dad died a painful death from cancer, but I can't think of anything even remotely sexy about cancer and isotopes.
Josh in Moose Jaw
said
Steve in Manotick
said
I want once more to be able to say proudly "I AM CANADIAN"
STEVE H.
said
Ty;er I think the 26 yr old girl did it on purpose
said
Because she never picked up the tape after being phoned and she never picked up the binder after a week.
Dave in Surrey
said
Election please!!!
Scott
said
DJ
said
Oh give the dog a bone...is this all the media has to whine about?
Excuse me!!!!! Do we not have the right to know exactly how our politicians feel about crisis situations which will directly reflect HOW they treat the situation and what their real motives are?! Lisa Raitt's comment proves that anything she does to try to improve the situation will be for her own political advancement and has nothing to do with caring about the people effected by the situation. For her, it's all about her career and what she can gain from it. She's insensitive and uncaring and needs to be fired!!
Bert, Elmira
said
BB in B.,C.
said
Mark Palmer, Regina
said
The issue is a headliner and would move her career along if she was able to resolve it.
Save the condemnation for people who cause havoc just to get points solving it, or those that take envelopes of cash in hotel rooms and don't seem to see that there is a problem with it.
kate
said
Shawn Cabana Ottawa
said
canuck_88
said
your comments dont hold water, harper has united the country far more than martin or cretian did. Taxpayers pay 3% less tax then they did with the phony liberals--how can that be negative?? Get your facts together please. There is mistakes just like any other gov't just move on. Half of canadians probably dont even know about isotope and half of you are calling for an election, give me a break!
Jenna
said
It's a pack of morons but I'm also tired of opposition parties jumping on every comment, there are a lot of more important issues than what comes out of this twit's mouth.
Saskmike
said
cheryl
said
Doesn't that sound ridiculous now!!!
Are we the KGB now bugging homes and politicians?
Lets focus on things that really matter. Maybe more work would get done by everyone in the house of commons if they concentrated on fixng the problems instead of acting like 5 year olds having temper tantrums!
If politicians want to earn the respect and the vote of the majority of this country then try actually working hard with respect for a change. Isn't that what your mother taught you! As a mother I would be ashamed of my children if they acted like this towards anybody, especially to get a leg up in the world.
Niki
said
mike
said
Jerry Ritz
Lisa Raitt
John Baird
All inappropiate comments, there's a trend here with the Harper CONservatives
Ian in Mississauga
said
A Voice From Ottawa
said
jjaycee98
said
I recently met a fellow who said he no longer listens or watches NEWS. He said on any given day there is probably 50/50 good and bad stuff and that if it is REALLY important he will eventually know about it. Says he is a lot happier and alot more productive by scrapping that habit.
Beginning to think I may try that.
Glenn in TO
said
Ok, let's ignore the insensitive comments if you like and focus on the "deeds" of this minister. You might want to check out another article on this website: "Medical Isotope Shortage to Worsen". Her results are actually more frightening than her words. Thanks for the helping us see the forest through the trees.
Shannon
said
P.A.
said
opinion
said
What goes around comes around.
Suck it up, we have a pathetic government who does not deserve the trust or backing of Canadians
Adam
said
I bow-wow down to you.
said
Adam & Steve in Rosedale Toronto
said
Easy scam to disassemble
said
I personally don't like the terminology at all.
Frank (Toronto)
said
That's exactly what she meant. The term "sexy" has been used to describe many high profile issues attracting media attention.
In no way is Raitt saying cancer is sexy or cool. All she was saying was the isotope issue is sexy (will attract media attention).
Why is it when a Conservative politician says something "off the cuff", it becomes a federal case. Others say them, and all is forgotten.
We need to get off our politically correct high horses in this country. People who live in glass houses.......
Nick in Gatineau
said
Brian fr Langley
said
Terry in Edmonton
said
Mike
said
Sylvain New Brunswick
said
Jeremy
said
Well Liz, I had cancer multiple times and I am extremely, holeheartedly offended and can't believe these comments.
And I can say catigorically, undeniably that after going through this process more than once, there is nothing sexy about seeing good people pass away because they did not get the proper treatment in time. Shame on anyone who tries to make this about a privacy issue, you want privacy, get another career. My God people.
A Koster - BC
said
Bonnie
said
I am happy to hear someone has come home to do something about the mess the Cons have us in. Can't wait. Now we will be buying one more thing developed in another country.
Raitt has had 18 months to do something about the Isotope shortage but all she has done is waste time and money.
The way the Cons have wasted our money (not theirs), someone should be in jail!
I guess the aid has the last laugh. Good for her.
PB_Toronto
said
Patriot
said
Nick in Gatineau
said
She wants to use Isotopes as leverage for negotiations with the AECL and Ontario.
Calling Isoptopes a 'sexy' negotiation tactic and/or strategy is ethically and morally wrong - regardless of what one identifies as moral and ethical. This person doesn't care about the lives she is putting at risk because she wants a good deal .
This government does not care if Canadians live or die.
Enough said ?
Resign.
The CONS must go!
said
What lack of class! What lack of compassion! How revolting!
The CONS will be swept again just like they were before...to extinction. But let’s hope there will not be another life for me....
What a Dinosaur club!
Diane
said
Alex Roberts (Halifax)
said
Alex (Toronto)
said
Marie, Saskatoon
said
Adam in Ottawa
said
MarnieMB
said
Raymond
said
CTV is working this issue into a whirlwind, as per usual.
You could almost see the disappointment in the news anchor's face last night when her three panalists suggested this was total hyperbole and a non-story.
Al in Calgary
said
Conrad from Calgary
said
Mexico Ex-Pat
said
Let the court of Public Oppinion Reign!!!
David, Calgary
said
Ken - Calgary
said
JK in BC
said
1. It was said in PRIVATE conversation. I'm sure we have all said something privately before.
2. Look up the word sexy...it means it is hot or interesting. To anybody who believes that this is an interesting issue...you then believe that this issue is sexy. Get with it people!
Before you criticize, do your homework. It took me all of one minute to do mine (and you can even do it on the internet)!
Marni
said
Angry
said
Not one person can realize that this, what is reported here, is just a symptom of a bigger problem.
You can't have Politicians running for office, doing their attack ads in the process and then expect them to have hearts or care anything about you once they get elected.
Simply put...if you want someone in Government that will best represent you and put your needs first, then you need to elect persons that run on Policy and not doing these attack ads, as these attack ads simply show the self serving, conniving person they really are.
Keep electing those that stoop to attack ads...you'll just keep getting those that couldn't care less about you...as they have proved time and again that their agenda is for self, as they only care about self.
Elect a person or party that runs attacks ads...don't gripe or complain when they turn their noses up at you or attack you, as it has been shown repeatedly that these type of people and parties will always do just that...attack you and not care about you.
It's the spirit of meanness that got them elected and its the spirit of meanness that drives them.
There is nothing "sexy" about people not getting treatment for cancer nor being unable to get proper diagnosis's.
One would hope, that come election time, people of Canada will put on their thinking caps and realize, that if they attack each other, how much more will they do to me?
This person should be fired and kicked out of Caucus.
GHW
said
Alan
said
Maritimer
said
Anne M
said
Next I agree with SK Dr get over it and leave it alone. You have been hammering it to death.
Thirdly, the media needs a good kick in the a$$ for not having the moral fortitude to mind their own business.
Journalism has gone by the way in Canada
pot kettle club
said
Think about it, the job security is 4 years at a time (if your lucky), might as well get what you can: money, power, alliance.
Politics is NOT about working for what is best for the masses, its just not, and getting a glipse from these recordings just shows what their mindset really is, even on the most serious of issues.
Jim-Surrey
said
It was a "private conversation" and should have stayed that way.
It wasn't said on the floor so why all the damn fuss.
NONE of us are perfect in any aspect.
So let's move on to MORE important things such as job creation and the economy!
Wes Hagel
said
We who work in the real world hear all sorts of comments from fellow workers, that may occasionally raise an eyebrow. All I am concerned with is that the work gets done, and by the fruits of their labor we can judge.
my take on this
said
Peter MacKay, it's time for a mutiny against Harper for the good of the country and the Conservative Party of Canada. Peter, at least make an attempt to come out of this calamity with some dignity. Lose your job if you must but stop supporting Stephen Harper.
GMan
said
Jim in Ontario
said
Josh Anderson
said
LAL Ontario
said
The impetuous Conservative supporters that deem Ms. Raitt’s “private” comments as purely innocuous and correlative have not taken the time to read/listen to the conversation. Ms. Raitt, by her comments alone, has proven herself to be an insensitive, power hungry official whose single most important ambition is advancement.
Indeed the “sexy” comment was distasteful but the core of the conversation reflects her innate desire to be the panacea of the isotope crisis thereby garnering popularity and thus promoting her own political agenda. The Ministers’ naïve conception declaring her dishonorable intentions to an underling merely solidifies her incompetence and Mr. Harper inference to the oppositions “cheap politics” is hypocritical considering he himself has mastered the art of underhanded political exploitation.
Kevin in Vic
said
I watched my mother die! I listened to her last breath! I checked her pulse! I cleaned her up before my sister arrived! No,... cancer is not sexy!!
However, my mother would make me ask these questions; what is the context of the conversation? Why was the tape left in a bathroom? Why was Ms MacDonnell recording the conversation? Why did she TWICE leave sensitive information lying around? And last...why didn't she go pick it up when contacted and given the chance to protect her own job?
This smells worse than a fish cannery!!
George in Calgary
said
pete
said
Furhter,by not taking Raitt's resignation, Harper is showing that for him too politics power is more important than the human face isotope crisis. Fact is, that people who are sincerely caring don't say one thing in private and another in public; because that makes them hypocrits.
I know Mr. Harper wants us to think of Ignatieff as nothing more than a visitor, but rather a visitor who cares than a resident who doesn't.
cmt
said
I am a cancer survivor and I can tell you..this disease is not "sexy", not at all. However I do not think her comment deserves the media time it has been getting...bottom line is get the isotopes to the hospital labs immediately so no cancer victim is left with out treatment.
george (ottawa)
said
Independently Minded
said
The real question that has been asked is, "If the reactor was "dying" and the government knew it, despite the former director's warnings, why was nothing done in the meantime to correct the issue?"
Furthermore, why was no contingency plan being worked on to maintain the supply?
Was it because a "crisis" is a sexier issue that Raitt can gain political capital on rather than simply doing her job?
THOSE questions are the fire underneath the opposition members.
Regardless of how this session ends up, IF the cons are still in power by the summer break, I don't expect to see Raitt in a portfolio by fall. She's embarrassed the government far too much to be a credible minister.
Although I am amused with the Con supporters' mantra "it was a private conversation". That may be so, however 4 years ago Harper would have loved to get a juicy morsel of dirt like this to jump on.
Bottom line, if you start a game of "cheap politics" be prepared to receive as well as dish out....
Otherwise, take the high road and end the nonsense!
@ canuck_88
I find it amusing that the conservative mantra of always blaming the press for their own messes is alive and well even in the 21st century. Typically the messes are brought on by their arrogance and their own hubris. Then like children it becomes "their" fault...
At least the Progressive Conservatives took responsibility for themselves...
If you join public service be prepared to deal with public scrutiny. We are the "Boss" and if you don't like your "boss" then you are free to quit anytime...
Sherry Katrina
said
HKP in Vancouver
said
edwilson
said
adrifter
said
Elizabeth, Ontario
said
Linda Kamloops. BC
said
Ronald Meaghan
said
Jim in Ontario
said
BrianSYYZ
said
This woman is clearly in politics solely for her own personal gain and not to represent the taxpayer.
She needs to GO!!!
Get over it
said
to all of you who ware feining rightious indignation- SHUT UP!
She spoke privately and i understand the words she used and the manner she used them. I am NOT offended, as she is correct in what and how she said.
This "issue" is something that has been orchaestrated by certain parties to attempt to discredit the government.
I am far more concerned over the illegal taping of a conversation; a judge making a ruling that is patently contrary to law; the obvious attempts to target this minister; and the collusion of certain media parties in the doing. And that doesn't even include the manufactured charges over her expenses....
As for the so-called incompetence of the Minister, she has my support.
The muck-rakers can just extract their collective heads from their rectums.
M of M
said
Brian
said
They say the percieved correct things in public.
Marg Bedore
said
KT in Victoria (family of a cancer survivor)
said
Peter in Edmonton
said
-I voted conservative last election, for reasons unrelated to this story I will likely, as it stands now, vote Liberal in the next (I'm lucky enough to be in a riding that might make a difference). Having said that you assume that people who didn't get out and vote will vote liberal instead of conservative and that's false. People who consider themselves 'non-conservative' in this country look at winning conservative elections and don't understand what they are looking at. They assume that the heart and soul of this nation is not 'conservative' by nature and I tend to agree, however this is NOT the reason the conservatives are in power (again). Canada did not move towards conservatisim, the moved AWAY from the Liberal party and this has very little - if anything - to do with 'social conservatism' and much more to do with lost trust int he Libs.
THIS is the mistake Liberals are making. They assume they need to win back conservatives - make them 'liberal'. They assume most people would vote Liberal in Canada and that if you just get a higher voting turnout that it will favour the Liberals. This simply does not compute when one considers that the Liberals have just been losing more and more seats between the last election and the one before that, while voter turnout remained mostly the same.
I am a moderate and a swing voter and I'm not alone. We're the ones who decidingwho will be elected next, NOT the card-carrying Liberals or Conservatives. If the Liberals want to win again they need to quite assuming that they have natural approval of Canadians.
kt in Victoria (family of a cancer victim)
said
K_W
said
Jim in Edmonton
said
Sick of the Media hype
said
MikeLondon
said
Time to move on
said
Sheryl
said
t-jay hook
said
Trevor Wade
said
Doug Ont
said
keith
said
From what I can gather it's a statement that they could have gotten some political mileage with the issue. Sexy as in the media will pay attention, lots of soundbites etc. which is ironically what happened.
If people would take a minute or two and actually put her comments into the context of her PRIVATE conversation, then they might realize that there was nothing malicious about it. Please put down the pitchforks and torches for a minute.
Layton in Moncton
said
Gary (Toronto)
said
I'll tell you one thing, I can't wait for the next election cause I so want the Tories out!
Kyle Hickey
said
i will not say what she said was right but it was private and none of our concern
Laura =|
said
Today Canadians are faced with the grim truth that there once again this Ministers’ responses are erroneous. I wait with bated breath for yet another explanation of how this incompetent woman’s comments have been misconstrued.
Barry K Ottawa
said
I have no tolerance for loose lipped incompetent Ministers - none, nil, nada!
Sorry but apology Not Accepted. IMO this is a reflection on the whole cold hearted Conservative Government. Time for a new and more humane and tolerant Liberal Government.
bellainottawa
said
Bob (Ottawa)
said
stephen Edwards
said
amazed
said
Bob (Ottawa)
said
1) Keep your base energized by playing on their fear/hatred of the evil socialists/liberals/environmentalist/intellectuals (i.e. anyone who disagrees with your ideology)
2) Constantly attack the personal character of your opponents. It's not enough to defeat opponents on policy, you must DESTROY them personally.
3) Don't discuss policy....the bases of your ideology (Friedmanite economics and Straussian philosophy...the Chicago School) are not acceptable to most voters especially now that Neo-Con ideology has bankrupted the world economy.
4) So alienate everyone else from politics and politicians that they don't even bother to vote. (e.g. "all politicians are self serving crooks" and "it's not worth voting")
Bill in Kelowna
said
Dave
said
Michael (Ottawa)
said
Good luck Davey boy... all during the last election you bashed away at Prime Minister Harper and youre still at it.
Well hate to dissappoint but this ISNT the collapse of the government ...not anytime soon either as your new Iggy is a far cry from the wonder boy you guys thought you had... look at the polls which arent propping him up as the Messiah he isnt.
Nice try though enjoy your diatribes none the less! ;0)
Island Man
said
Canadians deserve a Cabinet Minister that act in a mature adult way and can put the responsibilty of their position ahead of their own self gain.
Putting herself and her career above the needs of Canadians indicates that "She is Just In It For Herself"
I'm afraid this is too little too late.
Abdula
said
John in Calgary
said
My father suffered greatly from cancer before he mercifully passed away, and several other members of my family suffer from the disease. For someone to use important diagnosis/treatment methods for personal advancement is unethical and just plain wrong. The minister needs a wake-up call. Probably a visit to the nearest children's hospital cancer ward might be in order. The isotope shortage is not an issue for personal gain! It is also not an issue for political partisanship. The least I expect from the minister is a formal apology. If this is not forthcoming, then the PM must consider the minister's demotion or removal from cabinet.
Chris in Calgary
said
Hmmmmm...in private (where it was used) it fits. In public, (where it was not intended to be used, and due to political correctness) it doesn't. I think the media and the pundits have twisted this a little. Is that possible?
Peter in Edmonton
said
"Peter in Edmonton, perhaps this will help you understand why the Conservatives won and why voter participation is going down. It's standard Neo-Con election strategy which is quite simple: "
I stopped reading as soon as you used the word 'neo-con'. This makes your statement immediately dismissible. Go move to the US where your brand of baloney-speak will make more sense. While you're at it stop reading the American Chomsky and pick up the Canadain Dyer instead.
As I said: Canadians did not move towards conservatism they moved away from the liberal party, simple as that. Experienced pundits agree. Most would love to vote Liberal again but trust needs to be regained. Perhaps you are simplistic enough to fall for 'neo-con' strategies as you put it but the rest of Canada is a lot smarter than you pompusly refuse to give them credit for.
Move to the States where your simple-mided 'sheeple' mentality will apply more.
BA Chambers Haliburton
said
As for the tape hidden in someone's pocket and recording a private conversation which is nobody's business and then being left in a washroom to be found is disgusting.
The media , Liberals, and NDP have escalated the whole thing into a feeding frenzy.
People get over it.........
When asked the "opposition" had no thoughts on helping to fix the isotope problem but they can sure criticize everyone else,but that is nothing new.
A Koster - BC
said
nasty
said
Big Papa
said
I have always liked the conservative party. But this hits below the belt.
She needs to resign.
Jay, Ottawa
said
It was a stupid thing to say, she's acknowledged it and apologized.
Now why it took so long for her to admit to us that she's human and makes mistakes I don't understand. It shouldn't take a public outcry to fess up to being fallible.
Anne
said
Even when we post our opinions here, in the back of our mind we have stronger words and wish we could be blunt, however we're lucky because noone can hear 100% our true thoughts.
So move on and be mature about it.
appalled and disgusted
said
harper and raitt should both resign. raitt because of her crude comments, and harper for allowing them to be "ok"
Westcoaster
said
Roger T
said
Your mockery comments have only offended tax payers by not taking the isotope issue serious but rather making it a SEXY issue which you've create steam upon yourself.
Your only option is the exit door.
Bye Bye!
Nick in Gatineau
said
She meant those things.
She intended to use the matter for political gain.
She will not change overnight - and life shows you that when someone does these things, it is because they believe that they did nothing wrong.
I've met many conservatives like her. They do not care that they hurt people.
She refused to apologize for her staff and her own behavior until today - after hearing all the complaints from Professional entities and those from her own party.
Canadians know who their minister really is now and their minister cannot be trusted in any fashion. Her credibility will be underminded at every turn. She has lost respect of her counterparts.
Sorry doesn't cut it.
She should resign. Period.
Tired of opposition nonsense
said
Concerned Canadian
said
1). Use ad hominem attacks (name calling) such as "loonie left" and "tree huggers" rather than using rational appeals. Juvenile sarcasm is also useful for avoiding real, adult debate.
2. Accuse the media for their "left-wing bias" whenever they report unpleasant facts. Accuse scientists of "left-wing bias" when they report evidence you don't want to hear about global warming, or evolution, or drug treatment programs.
3. Drag up old scandals to justify Conservative blunders (so adscam can be used forever to justify Conservative mistakes), rather than accepting responsibility for what Conservatives have done.
4. Dismiss any problem as "unimportant" and claim we need to deal with "real issues".
Can anyone think of any more?
Marge - RichmondHill
said
Elana
said
Take all the Liberal media's "scandals" and all the Liberals' feigned outrage within that context.
Jack M., Calgary
said
Rhonda
said
Steve Dolesch - Hull
said
We have a bunch of outgrown kids who think it's funny to insult people in Parliament or the public. I had enough. If not call an election, at least clean up your acts all of you in Parliament.
sharon wilton
said
We thank her for that.
We also are thankful for the witness of our Prime Minister who is not going to hearken to to the "cat'"call...of anyone.
N.H.
said
And nevermind her sad story about who she had lost to cancer - her attempt to make us feel sorry for her and forget her foible.
She should have thought of that before she opened her big mouth and made that comment.
Tom Morrow
said
I believe it is heart felt and as a person that just lost their father to cancer in May of this year, I forgive her.
Brian Knutson
said
Eyes Wide Open
said
Alex McCulloch
said
Instead she thought only of what a hero she would be when this crisis was solved. No smarmy apology with tears makes up for this. Most of us say things in private that would get us in trouble if made public...so, we're very careful where and to whom we say such things.
All that needs to be said has been said....
said
Well said and to the point exactly!
Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said
WE all know people with CANCER or have it ourselves!
I for one am sick and tired of going for tests and then come home and here all this
cra. from people who do not know what they are talking about.
It does not bother me what Lisa said or did not say but we all want to get on with are lives.
WHAT really bothers me is that this WHOLE THING REEKS of a SET UP! LET US MOVE ON
LIBERALS you have had your say! ENOUGH!
David McGuinty was making a FUSS about RAITT on POWER PLAY lsat night but when asked what he thought should
be done about the isotope
situation he did not have any
answers to give! This is typical of the LIBERALS!!
To Get over it
said
Although I am sorry for your sickness, it does not give you the right to tell people to shut up!
If that sickness is real, it should bring perspective and understanding. Yet you seem to wield your sickness as a sword to promote your political views.
So, excuse us if we do not take you seriously!
NAM
said
Ken
said
This type of "gotcha" reporting is getting boring.
Get on with reproting the real issues that face Canada and the world.
Mac1
said
I read the comments and shake my head that some of you are even allowed to vote ! As you lambaste THIS government - remember Chalk River has had years of neglect - under a different government and now they stand on the other side with a holier than thou attitude when it is the Liberals got us into this mess !
Get over this nutty behaviour and tackle policy issues...
Susan
said
Eric
said
that's really funny because you just described the Liberal strategy as well. Remember when Harper was going to put soldiers... with guns... in Canadian cities? Or how about Stephane Dion's platform? Oh right, he didn't have one (save for that horrible Green Shift) until the last week or so of his bombshell of a campaign attempt. How about when Harper wasn't Canadian enough because he didn't wear a Canadian pin? A real outrage at the time, but Iggy actually BEING an American is no big deal, right?
Seriously. I have no issue with people taking digs at Harper, he does things I don't agree with either. But please, if you're going to sit there and be outright insulting towards him and his supporters, at least come up with insults that can't be applied to your party as well, as I assume you're a Liberal given your short memory and tendancy to ignore reality.
Abdula
said
Hal from Halifax
said
"I'm sorry that my true motive of self serving political gain spoken in private on this life and death issue was leaked to the public."
deb in burlington
said
Mark from Calgary (The best city in Canada!)
said
Jo from Alberta
said
she used the word in relation to the issue...NOT in relation to cancer victims personally. was it wrong to exploit the issue for personal recognition? YES. but lets not let the media spin her words into something else.
Jason in Edmonton
said
GC in Ont
said
It's too bad that Canada has become of nation of self righteous whiners.
davidovich
said
It seems not. People won't leave her alone until she has been struck down like a seal on an Newfoundland ice flow.
Flinkus,ON
said
Yeah, I know about her expression. Deceivers are most charming,it is their primary weapon.
Harper's refusal to acknowledge mistakes is scary.People who are never wrong invariably do more damage than Bin Ladens of this world. In any Respected Democracy this type of behaviour, once exposed, would be followed by a speedy Resignation. Key word being RESPECTED.
Recent true-colours of this Govt demonstrates why PM Harper's carcass is restricted from public appearances. That there hasn't been any hint of a revolt confirms Lack of Leadership, Harper should've been Gone after the last Early Election.
Joe Sanity
said
Margaret in N.S.
said
Gary in Waterloo
said
Balgonie Bob
said
Where would any of us be if a private conversation covering many subjects, that took place over five hours, was recorded unbeknownst to us, then disected and then bits of sentences were taken out of context. I don't know any saints.
Nick in Gatineau
said
How many own homes or cottages in the US ?
You keep saying Ignatieff is American. Fine. Do I have to go to the USA to see my PM being interviewed and actually 'tell it like it is ?' Why is it that he (Harper) speaks only to American Media ?
Where does Harper's family come from ? It wasn't all Canadian now was it ?
Unless you are from a Aboriginal family, you are a immigrant.
The majority of Canadians are immigrants. Myself included.
As for Raitt. What she has done , be it the comment in the women's can, or the SECRET document left behind, is show she is not worthy of being a Cabinet Minister yet alone have a security clearence and a Minister cannot do his or her job effectively if they don't have the proper clearence.
Her apology is not enough. She should resign. Period.
Getting emotional won't help the issue
said
This shows that she is NOT mature enough to handle this job. They should find someone who is more responsible to replace her a.s.a.p.
We also blame Mr. Harper keep on defecting his employees. He should be man enough to have an open mind, understand the issue, listen to both sides and make a professional decision.
Too bad he did not. He fail us again. We feel we can't trust these people running our life! Such a shame!
Well, she might be able to keep her job for now. Who knows for how long! As soon as we have a new prime minister, she will also get a pink slip too!
One advance for people who work for the government - WATCH YOUR MONTH!
Dasardin
said
adam, sask
said
bob in NS
said
Mattman in Ottawa
said
Meaning it's high profile and an exciting, meaningful file to work on.
Politicians have lots of files to work on. Most of it is probably dull and thankless. I certainly understand her calling it "sexy". I'd say the same about some of my more exciting projects in my work.
There are plenty of reasons to get angry at Ms Raitt concerning Chalk River. This is not one of those reasons.
a
said
Michael
said
Mykey, The Lakehead
said
John From Saskatoon
said
Kitchener
said
Soapy from Halifax
said
Janet Darbe, Halifax Dr. Ottawa
said
Ben
said
If everyone who said something like that had to resign from their jobs, our unemployment rate would be far worse. Leave it alone.
Not what she meant, and you know it
said
Sam
said
As for those upset with the opposition "playing politics" here. Wake up, Ms. Raitt is the one playing politics. She's the one who was caught paying more attention to how to score easy political points on the backs of the sick and dying than on doing her job. Her boss is the one who is spending more time putting out partisan attack ads than addressing our current economic malaise. To date, barely any stimulus money has been spent, and most of it isn't going where it's actually needed, but rather to constituencies that the Conservatives won by slim margins last time, or think they can win next time. The Opposition is doing its job. It's high time that this Government did the same, or got out of the way.
Paul - Halifax
said
The comment was stupid, but it was a private conversation.
-----------------
Jim it's never a private comment when it's on the taxpayer's dime - like this was.
Prof. Pye Chartt
said
@ Concerned Canadian
You never cease to crack me up. Always pretending to be independently minded and intellectually balanced, you're as politically polarizing and demonstrably partisan (Liberal) as any soul frequenting this forum.
An easy case in point is your "comment" itself, which doesn't even address the article/topic at hand, and was merely another opportunistic shot at the conservative mindset that evidently always gets under your skin and compels you to start typing feverishly.
Come on, my friend. It's time to stop pointing that dirty finger. You're every bit as bad (or worse)!
Your four (4) bullet-points are entirely hollow and utterly superficial, as each could easily be turned on its head and applied directly back to YOUR ideological tent. You know that.
"Raitt-Gate" is nothing short of a political recreational activity affording anti-Conservatives a chance to vent and pretend to be morally and ethically superior. It's running on Media fumes, and makes for a "sexy" news story. The underlying “issue,” however, is as shallow as a Mr. Turtle pool.
kevin
said
K Murphy
said
Anything other than a straight forward apology is an attempt to either buy time or pull the wool over someone's eyes. And the crocodile tears at the end of an apology that doesn't ring true - even using family examples just makes an insincere apology sound worse. An apology is not wrung from anyone because their boss or co-workers demand it; it happens when one realizes that they hurt someone and wishes to make amends - period.
Steve the Pundit
said
How come the Liberals, and then the Conservatives, spent nearly a billion dollars on a replacement isotope reactor, only to cancel the project entirely because it was still going to require hundreds of millions of dollars to complete?
THAT'S the REAL "sexy" issue!
Ian
said
A Koster - BC
said
1. Place ads prior to, and in the months leading up to an anticipated election either
a) extolling the virtues of the region that you preside over and billing these ads to the taxpayers.
or
b) making personal attacks against the leader of the opposition party which is the most threat to you.
With either of a) or b) above, one must air these ads on several channels and for several times an evening during prime time. The idea of course is to program these messages into the tv viewing public over a period of time, as if by hearing them often enough they become real or valid.
2. Use this repetition method on blogs and message boards. Party line can be gotten out by email and the faithful can flood them at the slightes bit of positive news, with posts such as.. (leader name) My Hero, I'm so glad I voted for (leader name).
Lucyna
said
Roland Godin
said
Dave from Alberta
said
Raitt is the one who said what she said and did what she did.
Deal with it.
Boo hoo, poor little Tories!
Maria D
said
Me smells an inside job !!!!
Reece
said
Meaning it's high profile and an exciting, meaningful file to work on."
The truth is, some people sign up to serve their communities and to better society through sacrifice and selflessness. The first words out of this ladies mouth is about doing something to gain something. It illustrates a flawed mindset. She also backstabs her superiors. She's spending so much time and energy thinking of what may come to her and slags her team members - calling them weak and how great she herself is compared to the others.
This gov't is all about politics and little about serving the people. They are self-serving arrogant narrcistis. That's a serious mental illness btw. Ego is a bad thing!
Call the election - I doubt the polls are correct.
JAC
said
Melissa
said
All people say stupid things, I fill my days with saying stupid things.
We're all human.
Mike from Montreal
said
Dana
said
Peter in Edmonton
said
This is one of those Liberal party lies that keeps on being propagated through their 'grass-rooters'. Just because Harper didn't do a Globe and Mail interview when they demanded doesn't mean he 'only speaks to American media'. When this BS started to circulate it was only 3 days previous to the US interview that he gave an interview to CBC.
It seems all Liberals have any longer is 'neo-con' this and that (something most don't remotely understand) and general lies.
If each and every one of your 'points' is essentially a lie then you don't actually have a point.
MARG MM
said
Your Liberal bias showing!!!!
Not surprising.
Carl
said
bunny
said
Hunter Mars
said
disorder .
The tape was/is in the public domain .
Ms.Mcdonnel had no reasonable expectation of privacy once the tape was abandoned in a public washroom .
Nice try idiots .
Gnosticopolis
said
Fire Harper! Election time!
Ian Rankin
said
Ian Rankin
Sexy Dude.
said
Now, how about apologizing to the Minister of Health also?
Obviously Harper is going to along with whatever she does or say.
This last fact is what is sexy about this affair.
Don't accept apology
said
A dime will get you a dollar that when she thought things were sexy...her father, brother, etc., were the furthest things from her mind...otherwise she would not have said it to begin with.
RESIGN!!!
Robert in Calgary
said
Raitt's petty self-serving attitude isn't sexy. Cancer isn't sexy. There is also no way to think isotope problems are "sexy", because the problem facing the medical patients is not positive. If she meant the problem is sexy for the media, then she's correct, because much of the media are irresponsible, untalented bottom feeders (like Pierre Trudeau, viruses and Rush Limbaugh). But if she meant the issue should seem "sexy" to anyone else, then Raitt is warped and needs rehab.
Gary in Edmonton
said
Colleen
said
I truly, 100% believe that that was the case with Raitt and that's what she meant. She was bitter about the whole situation, not making fun of it.
abbey
said
Ontario Doctor
said
Just because you don't like common, modern vocabulary doesn't mean that you have to cast a pejorative light on the person speaking.
Is anyone here surprised that politicians play political games? That is what they do.
If Raitt wants to address the issue and help with the solution then more power to her. Give her the political Kudos.
Dave In the West
said
Who hasn't made comments that are inappropriate when redirected. She should think more about what is being said, to who and who may hear it. In fact I think a minister may have less of an opinion due to the inflammatory nature that follows. Perhaps a lesson learned here.
Until then lets condemn the present government for all things and bring back the Libs to engage in more costly scandals & kickbacks to friends! Right Eastern Canada!
Joshua Barrett
said
George
said
The more important problem for me is how in less than a period of 10 days a trusted member or Ms Raitt's staff leaves a classified briefing document in a TV studio and does nothing to try and retrieve it, which then spawns the surfacing of the a tape recorder containing a supposedly inadvert taping of a private conversation she had with Ms Raitt in early January which she left it in a ladies washroom in the Ottawa press gallery some 5 months ago. The fact that she was advised at that time that one of her tame, Nova Scotia home based news paper's reporters had the recorder in his possession she made no effort to retrieve it. Were these irresponsible acts just total incompetence and the laisse faire attitude of to-days younger generation or was it something much more sinister. After all, she is the daughter of one of the Liberal Leader's most ardent supporters and fund raisers??.
Dave in Ottawa
said
But it will all be over in a week once the next idiot gets caught with his/her pants(panties) down.
robert
said
Garry in NS
said
Laura Langstaff
said
Andrea
said
How many ministers are mentioned on this 5, 30 minutes tape?
election time
No politics please
said
Retired Soldier in Kingston, ON
said
Get over yourselves and take a valium...please!!
The Minister and the current Conservative government don't need to apologize to anyone for their performance!
The Conservative government has done more on the nuclear isotope file at Chalk River in 3 years than 35 years of previous Liberal governments spanning the post-war period!
The self righteous hypocrites making critical comments on this blog have exposed their motives and their political preference for all to see!
Pro Patria!